Krakow: Plaszow Concentration Camp Guided Walking Tour

Krakow , Poland

Krakow: Plaszow Concentration Camp Guided Walking Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover Plaszow camp with a local guide: few remains survive, but Schindler’s story and a unique space for reflection bring history alive.

Highlights:
• Take a comprehensive tour of the Plaszow Concentration Camp
• Remember the victims of the Holocaust at the camp's memorials
• Learn where the Schindler's List film was filmed
• Route paced for reflection, not rush

Unlike sites filled with preserved buildings, Plaszow offers open ground, silence, and space for thought. With few physical remains, it is a place of memory rather than spectacle—an intimate setting to confront history, honor the victims, and reflect.

Available options

Italian Tour

English group tour

Group Tour with an ENG Guide: Small Group

Spanish Tour

French Tour

What's included

Expert local guide

2h guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Known then as Plac Zgody, the square was the logistical heart of the Kraków ghetto: control, registry, and departure point for transports. After the war it was renamed Ghetto Heroes Square in remembrance.

Plaszow Camp was created by the Nazi German occupiers in October 1942 on the grounds of two Jewish cemeteries in Krakow. It began as a forced-labor camp for Jews from the liquidated Krakow ghetto; from July 1943 it also held Poles in a penal-labor section. In January 1944 it was redesignated a concentration camp and, later that year, it also functioned as a transit camp for Hungarian Jews being sent onward to Auschwitz. Over its existence, more than 35,000 people were imprisoned here and around 6,000 were murdered. Executions took place at several sites within the camp; today mass graves and memorials mark the landscape.

On this guided walk your expert guide pieces the camp together from what survives: the Grey House, the ruins of the pre-burial hall, traces of the Jewish cemeteries, the roll-call square, and paths where fragments of gravestones were once used to pave roads. You will reflect at major memorials, including the Monument of Torn-Out Hearts, and learn how the camp was organized into living, hospital, administrative, and industrial sections.

An essential part of Plaszow’s story is Oskar Schindler. Through his enamelware enterprise he sought work permits for Jewish prisoners registered through Plaszow, shielding them from further transports; later, he organized their transfer to his wartime plant in Brunnlitz, saving over a thousand lives. His actions, remembered worldwide, are inseparable from the history told here.

What's not included

Tram ticketis not included (~4 PLN)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.

Our group tours are only in 1 language. Select your preferred language when booking.

The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front at the entrance of Apteka Pod Orlem. Look for the guide with the ""excursions.city"" sign.

Important notes

- We kindly ask you to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. Once the group has departed, latecomers will not be able to join and tickets cannot be refunded.
- Gratuities are optional but always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for your guide.
- Weather conditions can impact your enjoyment of the tour. Please check the forecast ahead of time and come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. The tour goes ahead in all weather, rain or shine.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.